CLIFFORD BROWN/RICH PULIN HONORED AT THE BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB IN NEW YORK CITY FOR “IT'S YOU LA RUE”

– JULY 11, 2016 performed by JOE GRANSDEN and HIS BIG BAND!

Rich Pulin honored at the "Blue Note Jazz Club" New York City - July 11, 2016 for Clifford Brown/Rich Pulin lyrics and arrangement "It's You La Rue"

BACKGROUND OF "IT'S YOU LA RUE"

In 1977, the late La Rue Brown-Watson (Clifford Brown's widow) requested Rich Pulin to write lyrics to a love-melody (“La Rue”) that Clifford had written for her in 1954 when they were engaged. Rich, a long time fan of Clifford's was beyond honored, and immediately wrote lyrics to Clifford's “La Rue”. When Rich presented La Rue with the final draft, in tears, La Rue exclaimed, “Rich, how beautiful, you captured personal thoughts and phrases that only Cliff and I knew!”

Rich and Joe Gransden met earlier in 2016 and struck up a friendship. In the interim, Joe asked Rich to score “It's You La Rue” for his hot Atlanta based big band. Rich was pleased to do so and dedicated it to the memory of Clifford and La Rue Brown. Joe Gransden and Rich decided to make the world premier of “It's You La Rue” at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York - July 11, 2016. It was an honor for Rich to return to his birthplace New York City for this distinction. “La Rue”/“It's You LaRue” is the only Clifford Brown composition known where a collaboration was established, posthumously with another writer (Rich Pulin).

The Blue Note Performance was the first recording of “It's You La Rue” since 1987 when La Rue herself brought it to The Cunninghams who then recorded it on Discovery Records and the CD was nominated for a Grammy in 1989.

It's You La Rue video link on You Tube performed by Joe Gransden at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York on July 11, 2016 https://youtu.be/mCDeb6tIpH8

Joe Gransden and Rich Pulin at the Blue Note Jazz Club - New York - July 11, 2016

Hey Rich - Bravo!! Congratulations on your fine contribution to the art of jazz. Clifford and CT would both be proud of you- Greg Bobulinski (Trumpeter/Collegue with Clark Terry Big Band 1974 and Educator)

Congrats on your beautiful arrangement and lyrics! Quite an honor to have it premiered in NY at the Blue Note!! It sounds great and I'm sure that Clifford would have been very proud of you!! Big hug! - Jorge Calandrelli (Arranger/Orchestrator for the Stars - Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

Rich, Wow man! What awesome chops! The band. Horn Player are fabulous. The lyrics fit perfectly. I like the way the piece changes temp and the horn solo takes command. This is gorgeous ...Wow! - Howard Donenfeld (Composer/Arranger/Educator – New Jersey)

Great hanging in NYC! Awesome to meet you in person. I think your chart went great! Thanks for everything! - Wes Funderburk (First Trombonist/Arranger with Joe Gransden Big Band)

Great performance & and great arrangement! You must feel very proud and mucho props to Joe and his band for his vocals in the playing! I think he beautifully conveyed the message of your lyrics! Phil Morrison (Acclaimed songwriter/arranger... Bassist with The Hal Galper Trio)